My friend says that using a mono phono cartridge is the way to go... no vertical component in the groove wall and way less noise. He said there is a Denon model for less than $200 that is very good.
Other than that, I don't think it makes that much difference whether you listen to one or two speakers, although if you're listening directly on axis to only one speaker, the sound will likely be brighter and have less bass.
Other than that, I don't think it makes that much difference whether you listen to one or two speakers, although if you're listening directly on axis to only one speaker, the sound will likely be brighter and have less bass.